chase pennies with dollars

English

Etymology

References the foolhardy nature of spending more money, resources, or time, in order to earn or save lesser amounts.

Chiefly used within the United States, in business and finance settings and media.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /t͡ʃeɪs ˈpɛniz wɪð ˈdɑlɚz/, /- wɪθ -/

Verb

chase pennies with dollars (third-person singular simple present chases pennies with dollars, present participle chasing pennies with dollars, simple past and past participle chased pennies with dollars)

1. (US) To expend more money or effort in gaining something (especially, a cost reduction or revenue addition) than it is worth.
   • 2015, Glen Gainer, Charleston Gazette-Mail, State employee pay switch plan placed on hold‎^[1]:

     “I believe we’re being asked to chase pennies with dollars, and it will cost the taxpayers.”

   • 2012, L.G. Weinzimmer, J. McConoughey, The Wisdom of Failure: How to Learn the Tough Leadership Lessons Without Paying the Price‎^[2]:

     "Irrational Greed: Chasing Pennies With Dollars"

See also

• penny wise and pound foolish
• throw good money after bad